Police are investigating and have issued an appeal for witnesses
10:42, 12 Jul 2026Updated 10:46, 12 Jul 2026
Traffic close to junction 19 on the M62 this morning
A woman driving a Nissan car the wrong way on the M62 motorway was killed in a horror head-on collision with a BMW, police have confirmed today (July 12). The driver and passengers inside the BMW X5 were treated only for minor injuries, GMP said in a statement.
A stretch of an eastbound section of the M62 motorway, near Saddleworth in Oldham, remained closed on Sunday morning after the collision. The Nissan was pictured flipped over onto its roof at the scene.
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The collision led to a full closure in place between junction 20, for Thornham Interchange, and junction 22, for Denshaw, near Saddleworth.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11pm on Saturday night (July 11). The woman, who was aged in her 50s, sadly died at the scene. She hasn’t been named.
In a statement, GMP said its Serious Collision Investigation Unit was investigating.
Police are investigating(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
The force said: “At around 11pm on Saturday, we were called to reports of an incident where a grey Nissan Juke collided with a grey BMW X5 between Junction 21 and 22 of the M62.
“It is believed the Nissan was travelling in the wrong direction on the eastbound carriageway prior to the collision.
“The driver of the Nissan, a woman aged in her 50s, suffered serious injuries following the collision and sadly died at the scene. The driver and passengers of the BMW were treated for minor injuries. No arrests have been made at this time in relation to this incident.”
An appeal for witnesses or anyone with information has now been issued.
GMP added: “The Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this to come forward. They are keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 4349 of 11/07/2026. Information can also be shared using our ‘report tool’ or LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 11.20pm last night (Saturday 11 July), fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the eastbound carriageway of the M62 between junctions 21 and 22.
“Two fire engines from Rochdale and Heywood, alongside specialist rescue resources from Ashton-under-Lyne, quickly attended the scene, where a vehicle had overturned onto its roof. Firefighters worked alongside colleagues from North West Ambulance Service, Greater Manchester Police and National Highways to rescue a female casualty who was trapped inside the vehicle.
“Using specialist rescue equipment, crews safely extricated the casualty from the vehicle and transferred her into the care of ambulance personnel. Sadly, despite the efforts of all emergency services at the scene, the casualty later died.
“The thoughts of everyone at GMFRS are with the family and friends of the woman at this difficult time. The eastbound carriageway between junctions 21 and 22 remained closed following the incident while police and partner agencies carried out their enquiries. Firefighters were in attendance for just over an hour before leaving the scene.”